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Subaru Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) (2012-2016) reliability

Not enough data

Subaru Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) built around 2016: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Subaru Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) models built around 2016 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at a Subaru Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2012-2016HatchbackPETROL

Based on 778 tests of Impreza models registered 2012-2016.

Mk4 (GP/GJ) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
9716.5%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
22516.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
24420.5%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
10816.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
5414.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
5010.0%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 10 years old.

How the Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) compares

At each age below, see how the Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 4,164 tests across 7 Subaru models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSubaru average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
9716.5%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
22516.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
24420.5%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
10816.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
5414.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
5010.0%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ).

  1. 1

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the Subaru Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    54,681 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Suzuki SX4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.5%

    No clear edge over the Subaru Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    4,102 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    MG 3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.1%

    No clear edge over the Subaru Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,741 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Fiat 500

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.9%

    No clear edge over the Subaru Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,148 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Subaru Impreza.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

14 recalls in all

7 of the 14 Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 6 more

Top concerns

  • Airbag may not deploy
  • The electronic park brake connector may disconnect
  • Potential failure of the ignition coil module causing engine stall and a none start condition

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) cars have aged

How Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.

0%10%20%5791113Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (150 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.6% (129 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 7.9% (114 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (123 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.1% (124 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.0% (163 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (152 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 13.5% (163 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (166 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (159 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (95 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (83 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.1% (73 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (77 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.2% (84 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 9.6% (52 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 10.0% (50 tests, 2025 data)2012
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2012
Mk4 (GP/GJ) variants compared
All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common issues on Subaru Imprezas of this age

This list covers every Subaru Impreza built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 (GP/GJ) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    13.3%
    Advisory: 54Fail: 1 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    9.3%
    Advisory: 34Fail: 2 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.3%
    Advisory: 23Fail: 6 (21% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    8.0%
    Advisory: 23Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.2%
    Advisory: 22Fail: 4 (15% of the times it was found)

Based on 225 tests

Looking at a Subaru Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Subaru Impreza Mk4 (GP/GJ) (2012-2016) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 225 9-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 778 MOT tests on Subaru Imprezas first registered between 2012-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.